What cranial nerves are affected by MS?

The fifth cranial nerve is most frequently involved, followed by the seventh, sixth, third, and eighth nerves. Combined cranial nerve palsies are rare in MS.

Does MS show up in neurological exam?

An accurate diagnosis of MS is based on your medical history and neurological examination using tests of nervous system function. Much depends on the skill of the doctor in asking the right questions to uncover information and to properly evaluate the signs and symptoms of a malfunctioning nervous system.

What is neurological examination for MS?

Neurological examination Your neurologist will look for abnormalities, changes or weakness in your vision, eye movements, hand or leg strength, balance and co-ordination, speech and reflexes. These may show whether your nerves are damaged in a way that might suggest MS.

Can MS cause cranial nerve damage?

Isolated cranial nerve (CN) involvement was clinically reported in 10.4% (50/483) of all MS patients observed during a 5-year period, with 7.3% of those in whom CN involvement was a presenting symptom of MS, and, in 3.1%, as a sign of disease relapse (2).

Can MS cause cranial nerve palsy?

Among isolated cranial nerve palsies in MS, the fifth nerve is most commonly involved (4.8%), followed by the seventh nerve (3.7%), and the sixth nerve (1.0%) [3]. Thus, abducens palsy is a rare isolated MS finding, either as a presenting sign or during disease exacerbation.

When a neurologist asks a patient to smile which cranial nerve is being tested?

Cranial Nerve VII – Facial Nerve
Cranial Nerve VII – Facial Nerve Ask the patient to smile, show teeth, close both eyes, puff cheeks, frown, and raise eyebrows. Look for symmetry and strength of facial muscles. See Figure 6.18 for an image of assessing motor function of the facial nerve.

What does MS facial numbness feel like?

Numbness or Tingling A lack of feeling or a pins-and-needles sensation can be the first sign of the nerve damage from MS. It usually happens in the face, arms, or legs, and on one side of the body. It also tends to go away on its own.

Does MS cause 6th nerve palsy?

MS has been implicated as the cause of unilateral abducens palsy in 4–9% of cases [4], though MRI may not detect brain stem lesions in all cases [6]. One 2002 study investigating nontraumatic causes of sixth nerve palsies in patients 20–50 years of age found MS to be the cause in 24% of cases [7].